Spotting the warning signs
Lesson 1 of 12 in our free Debt & Getting Help guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.
Reading is cool. Playing is cooler.
This lesson is a 5-minute game. Free, no sign-up needed.
The story so far
Mo: I've stopped opening my post. If I don't look, it's not real, right?
Chip: *puts the kettle on* Totally normal feeling, Mo. But money worries get smaller when you look at them early, not later.
Nana: Nobody ever got told off for asking for help early, love.
Questions you'll answer
Mo realises he's using his overdraft for rent every month. What's the most useful first step?
List everything coming in and going out, then talk to free debt advice or the uni money team. Yes. Seeing the full picture plus free, confidential help = way more options.
Quick facts
- Using a credit card or BNPL to pay for food shopping every week → Warning sign. Borrowing for essentials regularly suggests the budget doesn't add up. Worth looking at early.
- Checking your banking app before a big purchase → Normal life. That's a green flag. Main character with a plan.
- Taking out new credit to pay off other credit → Warning sign. Borrowing to repay borrowing can spiral. Free debt advice can help untangle it.
- Leaving letters unopened because they feel scary → Warning sign. Very human — and very common. But deadlines don't pause while envelopes are closed.
- Saving a little each month for a festival → Normal life. Planning ahead. Love that for you.
- Being in your overdraft every single day of the month → Warning sign. If the overdraft never clears, it's become long-term borrowing. Worth a check-in.
- Myth: “Debt advice charities only help people with huge debts.” — They help with any amount — even if you're just worried about next month.
- Fact: “Free debt advice is confidential and non-judgemental.” — Advisers hear about every situation, every day. You won't shock them.
- Fact: “Getting help early can stop extra fees and charges piling up.” — The sooner creditors know, the more options there are.